Suso revealed the bad news through Instagram, claiming he will require surgery.

"Hello everyone. Just to tell you I'll be out of the team for a couple of months with a surgery operation next week coz of my groins ... I'll be back soon... Stronger than ever," he said.

Suso's injury is another blow for Rodgers after Liverpool's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League last 16 were dented on Wednesday night, following a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Basel.

The news about the Spaniard's injury came at a time when his future at the club is under scrutiny, as his contract at Anfield is set to expire next summer and he has already rejected a renewal offer to commit his future to the club.

Nevertheless, Rodgers had overlooked him during the start of this season despite his return to Anfield in the summer after a successful loan spell at La Liga side Almeria.

Suso was expected to back up Philippe Coutinho but with the arrival of Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic to the squad, Suso has seen his chances restricted.

The Spaniard is indeed yet to play a Premier League game this season, while his only first-team appearance this season came during the dramatic Capital One Cup victory over Middlesbrough on Tuesday 23 September – with the Spaniard scoring goals both during the 90 minutes and in the penalty shootout.

Meanwhile, Rodgers had indicated Sturridge could return to full fitness in time for Liverpool's trip to West Bromwich Albion this weekend, while England manager Roy Hodgson will leave the striker out of the squad for the European Championship qualifiers against San Marino and Estonia.

"I spoke to Roy," Rodgers said after Liverpool's 1-0 defeat to Basel. "I am not sure if Daniel will be fit for the weekend so I think at this moment he won't be in the squad. I think over the next couple of weeks Daniel has to get up to speed and hopefully after the international break he will be able to play for us, which is the priority."